Conservation

Conservation at Drayton Manor

Without regular maintenance, woodlands can deteriorate and lead to limited biodiversity. Many native species can be lost to poor woodland maintenance such as overcrowding trees; leading to light reduction.

"The Project"

Team members from the zoo department are currently involved in restoring 40 acres of beautiful land on the outskirts of the Drayton estate. The mixed habitat land contains ponds, streams, woodland and meadow areas.

The team have put together a management plan for the piece of land that will:

Help restore the woodland.

Create a suitable habitat for hazel dormice and great crested newts

Establish a wildflower meadow.

Work is currently underway with the aid of volunteers from the community. The team have started the project in the woodland. This includes:

Removing and thinning trees to allow room for a wide range of species to develop

Controlling invasive species

Restoration of woodland pools

Planting native wildflowers

Wildlife surveying

The team have been lucky enough to have observed evidence of a number of visitors to the area: A large range of butterflies and moths, a wide range of bird species and several species of bat. There is also evidence of deer, stoats, foxes and some resident badgers.

Final Goal

To provide a beautiful and tranquil recreational wildlife area. This area will contain pathways, information signs and wildlife hides. It will be ideal for students, school groups and the public looking to study and enjoy wildlife. We hope to hold public events including: tree planting, bird watching, bug hunting, bat and moth nights and guided walks.

www.tidyplanet.co.uk

Research at the Zoo

At Drayton Manor we encourage college, undergraduate and postgraduate students to carry out research projects based in our zoo.

Research can range from Animal Behaviour to Environmental Enrichment. Research is important to us as a zoo, as it allows us to understand how to provide the animals with the best level of care possible, and make sure that our animals are both physically and mentally healthy.

If you would like to carry out research at Drayton Manor Zoo, we would encourage you to read through our research guidelines as well as the research guidelines published by BIAZA* (www.biaza.org.uk) first.

If you have any questions about conducting a research project at Drayton Manor Zoo or any other queries relating to research please feel free to contact Anne Fletcher, Research Officer by email: annefletcher@draytonmanor.co.uk

Zoo Keeper For The Day

Charities

We are proud to show our support of this very worthwhile cause to save the African Grey Parrots.

Thousands of wild African Grey Parrots are being trapped each year to fuel the overseas pet trade. The trade is driving the species to extinction, and it has to stop.

Please help sign the petition to put an end to this. The goal is to reach 7,500 signatures and all support is gratefully received, we have signed in support and you can read more and sign the petition here.

Make sure you share with your friends and families to help save thousands of wild parrots!

Stop the Ivory Trade

The ivory trade is currently at the highest it has been since 1989. Elephants are still being killed in their thousands for Bloody Ivory. Illegal ivory is still being smuggled out of Africa and being sold in other countries. Therefore, in a bid to prevent this from happening, we have voted to ban the sale of products made from ivory in Britain.

Please help by signing this petition to support and improve protection for the elephants .

Here is a list of charities supported by Drayton Manor Zoo.

Charity

Description

World Parrot Trust

As a leader in parrot conservation and welfare, the World Parrot Trust works with parrot enthusiasts, researchers, local communities and government leaders to encourage effective solutions that protect parrots

World Owl Trust

The World Owl Trust works on owl conservation on a global scale, with members in many countries around the world.

Orangutan Protection Foundation

The Orangutan Protection Foundation supports the largest primate rescue and rehabilitation organisation in the world today operated by BOS Foundation.

November

Drayton's Magical Christmas. The park opens at 9:45am, rides start at 10:30am. The park closes at 5:00pm. The rides closes at 4:30pm on Christmas Eve. Please note that Father Christmas leaves us on 24th December and is not available from 27th Dec - 31st Dec.

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Drayton's Magical Christmas. The park opens at 9:45am, rides start at 10:30am. The park closes at 5:00pm. The rides closes at 4:30pm on Christmas Eve. Please note that Father Christmas leaves us on 24th December and is not available from 27th Dec - 31st Dec.